Walmart delivers good deeds during the 25 days of Christmas

Walmart is spreading joy and goodwill throughout Victoria this holiday season through their 25 days of Sharing program.

For the first 25 days of December, Walmart employees will travel throughout Victoria doing good deeds for nonprofit organizations that are in need.

On Wednesday, the eighth day of Christmas, Walmart employees gathered to feed the hungry at Christ's Kitchen.

"It makes me feel good. I know if I was in their situation, I'd want someone to help me out," said Angie Potts, community event coordinator for Walmart. "We all go through hard times, and it makes my heart feel warm that we can help someone."

All of the stores in Walmart's Region 20 are participating in the community initiative.

The regional program has been in existence for two years, but this is the first year the Victoria store has participated.

"I think it's important to come out into the community and give back. For a lot of people, we are the primary store they shop at," said Senon Salinas, assistant store manager at the Victoria Walmart. "Everybody here is willing to give back."

In addition to serving food, Walmart also donated a Christmas tree, fresh doughnuts and 80 pounds of sugar to Christ's kitchen.

"It's great that they do this. We depend on volunteers. Without them, we would not be able to exist," said Gene Martin, executive director of Christ's Kitchen. "(Walmart) is very good to us in several different ways. They, along with the whole business community, take care of us."

Some of Walmart's other good deeds have included providing Christmas trees, lights, toys and gifts to local organizations.

"I really want the community to know we're there for them, and we want to help in any possible way," said Potts.

Recipients of Walmart's good deeds were appreciative.

"It was great. The food was good," said 45-year-old Christ's Kitchen customer George Barefield.

Meanwhile, Natasha Whitson, activities director at Texan Nursing & Rehab Of Victoria East said residents and fellow staff were delighted by Walmart's donation of Christmas gifts and service.

"I'm overjoyed. I could not believe it when they called. Right now with the economy, people are just not donating time or money," said Whitson. "It's great they called. We needed supplies desperately."